Onkyo Muse Y-50 vs. Technics SU-GX70: Which Streaming Amplifier is Better?

Two streaming integrated amplifiers, exactly the same price, yet fundamentally different in character – that's a comparison that's fun. The Onkyo Muse Series Y-50 and the Technics SU-GX70 both cost 1,499 Euros, both offer everything you'd expect from a modern hi-fi hub today: streaming, room correction, and ample connectivity. But once music starts playing, they go their own distinct sonic ways.

We listened to both with the compact ELAC Solano BS 283.2 and focused not only on the technology but primarily on the sound. Who plays warmer, who clearer? Who has more reserves, who has the nicer aesthetic? And for which type of listener is each device ultimately made?

Brief Summary: Which Amplifier for Whom?

Contents

• The Candidates at a Glance
• Our Music Recommendation
• The Test Setup
• The Listening Comparison by Criteria
• Workmanship & Aesthetics
• Technical Data in Comparison
• Conclusion: Which for Whom?
• Video of the Test
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Listen Now

The Candidates at a Glance

On paper, the two are strikingly similar: same price, similar features, both with automatic room correction via smartphone. Yet they pursue completely different philosophies – from amplifier concept to aesthetics. This is precisely what makes the comparison so exciting.

Onkyo Muse Series Y-50 – The Powerful, Smart Hub

The Onkyo Muse Series Y-50 is a Network Integrated Amplifier that utilizes an Axign Class D power amplifier with MOSFET output, delivering 125 watts into 8 ohms and a hefty 250 watts into 4 ohms. That's a lot of power – and this almost perfect doubling of power indicates a robust power supply that truly provides the necessary current. This allows the Y-50 to effortlessly drive virtually any loudspeaker.

The visual highlight is the 5.46-inch color LCD, which displays the current track and an analog-style VU meter – easily readable even from several meters away. Streaming is available via Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, AirPlay 2, and Google Cast, plus Bluetooth. The Y-50 is generously equipped with connections: three pairs of RCA line inputs, an MM/MC phono input, HDMI-In and HDMI ARC plus HDMI output, coaxial input, subwoofer output, pre-amplifier output, and a 6.3 mm headphone output. Control is via the Onkyo Controller App, which also handles Onkyo's proprietary room correction, Onkyo Room EQ. The price is 1,499 Euros.

Technics SU-GX70 – The Fully Digital Purist

The Technics SU-GX70 takes a different approach: it's a fully digital integrated amplifier with Technics' proprietary JENO Engine, which processes the signal completely digitally from input to output. The power output is significantly more moderate than the Onkyo, at 40 watts into 8 ohms or 80 watts into 4 ohms, but it is stably designed. Technics deliberately emphasizes precision over sheer power – supported by a dual power supply design with its own power supply for the output stage.

Aesthetically, the SU-GX70 is decidedly minimalist and understated – no large display dominating the room, but excellent craftsmanship. The rotary knob and input switching feel truly premium, with no wobbling. All essential streaming features are included: Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Roon Ready, Bluetooth, and additionally a DAB/DAB+/FM tuner. In terms of format, it handles up to 384 kHz/32 bit, DSD, and MQA. Connections: two line inputs, Phono MM, two optical and one coaxial digital input, USB-A and USB-B, HDMI ARC, Pre-Out, and headphone output. Room correction is handled by Space Tune and LAPC via the Technics Audio Center App. It also costs 1,499 Euros.

The biggest conceptual difference is immediately apparent: The Onkyo has the large, easily readable display with illuminated controls – a real eye-catcher. The Technics, on the other hand, relies on subtle elegance and impresses with its haptics rather than its showmanship.

ELAC Solano BS 283.2 – The Touchstone

We listened with the ELAC Solano BS 283.2, a passive two-way compact loudspeaker with bass reflex principle from Kiel. Its hallmark is the JET-6 tweeter handcrafted in Germany, known for its fast, open, and detailed high-frequency reproduction, combined with a 150 mm aluminum mid/woofer with AS-Cone. Crossover is at 2,400 Hertz, and the frequency range extends up to 50,000 Hertz. With a nominal impedance of 4 ohms, a minimum of 3.2 ohms, and an efficiency of 85 dB, the Solano needs to be well-driven – 40 to 200 watts per channel are recommended. This makes it the ideal, yet demanding partner, to cleanly reveal the characteristics of the two amplifiers. Price: 799 Euros per piece, available in black and white high-gloss.

Our Music Recommendation

As always, a music tip beforehand – or in this case, two. The first is "Everything I Wanted" by Billie Eilish: a dynamic, poppy track that is very spatially rendered, especially in the middle of the song, and where the voice later beautifully comes to the forefront. A great piece to evaluate spaciousness and vocal reproduction.

The second tip goes in a completely different direction: "Sorrow" by David Gilmour in the well-known Live-in-Pompeii version. A short twelve-minute journey that starts with guitar textures and a very palpable deep bass range – if the system plays well, you can literally feel it. Later, the entire band joins in, including additional voices and the murmur of the fans. A magnificent piece to explore bass, dynamics, and a grand stage.

The Test Setup

The setup was as simple and fair as possible: Both amplifiers played successively on the same ELAC Solano BS 283.2, streaming was done via the integrated streaming functions of each device. This allowed for a clean comparison of the pure character differences of the two integrated amplifiers on the same loudspeaker.

The Listening Comparison by Criteria

Bass & Dynamics

Here, the Technics shows a surprisingly powerful, punchy side: In the bass range, it seemed a touch more impactful, and above all, it had very good control over the loudspeaker. The Onkyo counters with its power reserves – at lower volumes, it delivers noticeably more level, requiring less turning up, and there's plenty of headroom at the top. Those who like it loud and effortless will find more reserves with the Onkyo; those who appreciate precise, controlled bass reproduction will find it with the Technics.

Voices & Midrange

A clear difference in character. The Onkyo plays voices warmer and impresses with a beautifully rendered, pleasant midrange reproduction – a singing voice sounds round and inviting. The Technics takes a clearer approach: It resolves fine nuances very cleanly, such as the slight breathiness of a voice directly into the microphone, which gets somewhat lost with the warmer Onkyo. This clarity remained pleasant – without the highs becoming sharp or making you wince.

Soundstage & Spatiality

In terms of soundstage, the Onkyo had a slight edge in the midrange and opened up the sound image beautifully outwards – you felt as if you were in front of an open, spacious stage. The Technics, on the other hand, played with overall authority and effortlessness, bringing out fine spatial details very cleanly: Even at the very beginning of a track, when a singer was only softly playing a rattle and wasn't really "in" it yet, you could already clearly pinpoint this detail. Two different but equally convincing approaches.

Resolution & Detail

This is where the Technics excels. Its sound image is crisp and finely resolved, without tipping into sharpness – subtle tones in the voice came out cleanly without becoming unpleasant. The Onkyo focuses less on ultimate detail sharpness and more on a warm, cohesive overall picture that is never fatiguing. In terms of pure resolution, the Technics has the edge, without the Onkyo being weak here.

In short: The Onkyo is the warm, powerful device with reserves and a large display, the Technics is the clear, refined one with better control and premium haptics. One person finds the warm sound just right, another finds it a bit too subdued – one loves the clarity of the Technics, another finds it a tad too crisp. Ultimately, it's a matter of honest taste.

The best way to hear this difference in character is for yourself. Schedule a consultation and listen to both amplifiers at your leisure with your favorite speakers in our studio.

Workmanship & Aesthetics

With the Onkyo Y-50, the large 5.46-inch color display is the defining element: the current track and the analog VU meter are easily readable even from a distance, complemented by the illuminated controls – a device with a real "wow" factor that many customers immediately desire for its aesthetics alone. The aluminum front panel ensures a high-quality appearance and high rigidity, and the subtly patterned, ventilated San-Kuzushi top plate is a beautiful tribute to Japanese tradition.

The Technics SU-GX70 presents the counterpoint: minimalist, understated, without a dominating display. Its strength lies in its haptics – the rotary knob runs smoothly and cleanly, switching inputs feels high-quality, nothing wobbles. This is a level of build quality that isn't always found so perfectly even in higher price ranges. Those who appreciate subtle elegance and excellent operating feel are in the right place here.

The ELAC Solano BS 283.2 rounds out the picture with its high-gloss black or white cabinet and the slightly rounded front made of solid MDF – a compact loudspeaker that doesn't need to hide from significantly larger ones, both aesthetically and sonically.

Listened with: "Blue" by Faith Richards · "Borderline Love" by Jessie Gerber and Johnny Kaan

Technical Data in Comparison

Integrated Amplifiers

Loudspeakers

Conclusion: Which one for whom?

The beauty of this comparison: there is no forced winner. Both amplifiers come from well-known brands, cost the same, and deliver a really good performance with the ELAC Solano. The decision is not about quality, but about character and personal listening taste.

If you like it warm, powerful, and commanding, go for the Onkyo Muse Series Y-50. Its ample 250 watts at 4 ohms provide plenty of reserves and control over the volume – even at low volumes, there's a substantial sound in the room, with plenty of headroom. Plus, there's the beautifully warm, pleasant mid-range reproduction and the open spaciousness. And let's not forget the large display with VU meters, which many find visually appealing alone. The trade-off: if the sound is too warm for some, they might miss the ultimate clarity at the top end – and those looking for the finest details will find them a touch cleaner with the Technics.

If you like it clear, refined, and controlled, the Technics SU-GX70 is the right choice. Its full digital concept delivers a crisp, detailed sound that never gets harsh, beautifully brings out fine nuances, and keeps the Solano firmly in check at all times – even a touch punchier in the bass. Added to this is the excellent haptics and the subtle elegance that invites long, fatigue-free listening. The trade-off compared to the Onkyo: significantly less rated power and no large show display – if you need both, the Onkyo is a better fit. For sensitive ears, the clarity at the top end can be a touch too crisp.

For many, the Technics has a slight sonic edge with the ELAC Solano – but that remains a matter of taste. Warmer and more powerful versus clearer and more controlled, large display versus fine haptics: two paths, one price, both grand. Which one is right ultimately comes down to your own ear.

Video on the Test

We also shot a video for this comparison – feel free to check it out. There you'll experience both amplifiers side-by-side with the ELAC Solano and get an even better impression of the features, craftsmanship, and our listening comparison.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do the devices cost?

Both amplifiers cost 1,499 euros. The ELAC Solano BS 283.2 costs 799 euros per piece.

Which amplifier has more power?

Clearly the Onkyo Y-50 with 125 watts at 8 ohms or 250 watts at 4 ohms. The Technics SU-GX70 delivers 40 watts at 8 ohms or 80 watts at 4 ohms – but relies on a fully digital precision concept with excellent speaker control.

Do both have room calibration?

Yes. The Onkyo comes with Onkyo Room EQ, the Technics with Space Tune plus LAPC. Both can be easily calibrated via smartphone or app.

Can I connect a turntable?

Yes, to both. The Onkyo Y-50 has an MM/MC phono input, the Technics SU-GX70 has an MM phono input. So a turntable can be connected directly to both.

Are the amplifiers suitable for the ELAC Solano BS 283.2?

Both harmonize very well with the Solano, which recommends 40 to 200 watts per channel. The warm Onkyo and the clear Technics, combined with the JET-6 tweeter, each produce a coherent, but differently tuned overall sound – best to compare them yourself.

A review by Eric Schmidt and Moritz Riebow